Cobourg, Ontario: Canada's Mason-Dixon Community

Transcription

1 Cobourg, Ontario: Canada's Mason-Dixon Community Marsha Ann Tate, ABD The Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania USA Photo Credit: Archives of Ontario. Item Reference Code: C

2 Introduction In the years following the Civil War: Cobourg Ontario, emerged as one of the most popular resort communities in North America. A number of the seasonal Cobourg residents from the United States later constructed large mansions throughout the town and its environs. Cobourg remained a popular destination for both southern and northern U.S. families until the early decades of the 20th century.

3 Cobourg, Ontario

4 Research Questions What specific factors contributed to Cobourg's popularity with both southern and northern families from the United States? What types, if any, of economic and social relationships existed between the northern and southern U.S. families living in Cobourg? What types of economic and social relationships existed between the American families and Cobourg's permanent Canadian residents? What factors contributed to Cobourg's loss of favor as a summer residence for the Americans?

5 Cobourg: Early History Cedar swamp Originally avoided by settlers Early settlers ( s) United Empire Loyalists Retired fur traders British official class Half-pay officers Strong military tradition

6 Cobourg : 1865: Prosperity to Poverty 1850 s: Prosperity Town population=6000 Fifth largest center in the province and most important central Lake Ontario port 1856: Opening of the Grand Trunk Railway 1860 s: Near Bankruptcy Failure of the Cobourg to Peterborough Railway Cost of town hall

7 From Iron & Steel to Rest & Relaxation Late 1860 s s George K. Shoenberger & his Pittsburgh associates assume control of: Marmora Iron Mines 50 miles north of Cobourg The Cobourg, Peterborough, and Marmora Railway and Mining Company The Pittsburgh industrialists use Cobourg as their Canadian base of operations The industrialists begin bringing their families and friends with them on their business trips

8 Establishment of American Summer Colony Colonel William Chambliss Son-in in-law of George K. Shoenberger The Ozone tour Arlington Hotel George Shoenberger & William Chambliss Friends and family in North and South

9 Reasons for Cobourg s s Popularity with Southern and Northern U.S. Families Southern families Cool and hospitable climate Not required to spend vacation money in the northern United States. Northern families High quality ozone Business interests (e.g., iron and coal)

10 Accommodations Additional Factors Geographic Location Relatively close proximity to growing urban centers in the United States (e.g., Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Rochester) Transportation infrastructure Readily accessible from the US via rail and water routes Ontario Car Ferry Company: : Ferries carried coal, other goods and passengers Marketing

11 Cobourg s s US Visitors: Wealthy Built large estates and often stayed from May until early September The American summer colony Middle and lower classes Weekend excursions (Early part of 20th century) Cobourg visit normally lasted only a few hours

12 Cobourg Summer Colony: From Hotels to Estates s 1880s Activities slower paced than later decades Activities hotel oriented Most dances, hops or soirees were in the hotel Guests included prominent local and American families 1880 s s Large estates built Activities often estate focused

13 Ontario Car Ferry in Cobourg Harbour [ca. 1919] Source: Archives of Ontario, Item reference code C

14 Economic Ties Railroads Ontario Car Ferry Company Infrastructure Hospital, roads, water system Recreational facilities Cobourg Golf Club Hotels & other tourist-related related businesses

15 Social Ties Marriages between members of southern US families with members of northern US families Marriages were highlights of the colony s summer season Marriages between Americans and Canadian families

16 Social Events Plays Dances (e.g., hops) Band concerts (e.g., Shriners from New York state) Regattas Horse shows/races

17 Twilight of the American Colony World War I Major social and economic transitions in both Canada and the United States Prohibition The Depression World War II